PETERSFIELD 50, VENTNOR 10

PETERSFIELD jumped three places back to second in Hampshire 1 as they put two losses behind them with a commanding display against Ventnor.

After a bad case of the yips, ’Field needed to regain their previous confidence levels and after a home loss to Sandown & Shanklin, mainland pride had to be restored.

Isle of Wight side Ventnor appeared to be ripe for the taking, having won only one of their previous five games, but’Field could afford no complacency if they were to please a club packed with supporters fresh from a lunch to celebrate 30 years of youth rugby at Petersfield.

The pressure was on to perform and, from the first whistle, it was clear that the home team were in the mood to dominate. Ventnor battled bravely, with a score in each half, but could not cope with their revitalised hosts who ran in eight tries in all.

Having seen the devastating effect of a good kicker in their previous game, Petersfield were happy to have Matt Painter back in action and adding five conversions.

The eight tries were shared between backs and forwards. For the three-quarters, perennial try-scorer Tom Franks nailed a hat-trick and was named man of the match for his powerful display. His second try was a superb solo effort, sprinting 60 metres and breaking three tackles on his way to the line.

Josh Haslett and Painter poached one apiece, Painter putting the broken nose suffered at Ellingham behind him.

The backs were well served by Michael Robins and Frazer Patience who ran the game in a style usually seen in a higher league.

’Field continued their season-long domination of the scrum and the retirement of the two Ventnor locks brought about uncontested scrums. Having stuttered in recent weeks, the lineout also performed well, Petersfield winning all their own ball and at least half of Ventnor’s.

The pack got in on the scoring act through Harley Orr who bagged a brace of tries, while the impressive Franko Tomic got one.

Paul Berry and Sam Lines scored Ventnor’s tries during short spells in either half when ’Field switched off. Otherwise, this was a near faultless display by the reds.

Petersfield travel to Fareham Heathens on November 19 for their next league fixture.